The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced plans to extend Ghana Card services beyond regular working hours through the introduction of 24-hour service centres aimed at improving public access to registration and card replacement services.
The NIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku, said the move forms part of efforts to make Ghana Card-related services more convenient for citizens, especially those who are unable to visit its offices during the day.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM, Mr Deku disclosed that the Authority has already expanded its operations to all district offices across Ghana’s 16 regions, with the launch of the 24-hour prestige centres scheduled for next week.
“We have expanded. Now, we have all the district offices in all the 16 regions, and next week we are launching the 24-hour prestige centres,” he said.
He explained that the NIA has recruited about 120 additional employees who will work in three shifts to ensure the centres remain operational throughout the day and night.
According to him, the extended service hours will particularly benefit workers and other individuals who cannot visit NIA offices during normal working hours.
Mr Deku noted that many people leave work after the close of business and only have time to attend to personal matters in the evening, making the 24-hour system necessary.
He added that the initiative will also provide timely support to individuals who urgently need replacement cards, including those who lose their Ghana Cards during weekends or public holidays.
He cited instances where people who misplaced their cards over the weekend had to wait until the beginning of the working week before they could apply for replacements, a delay that could disrupt their daily activities.
Mr Deku said the new arrangement will allow NIA offices to operate on weekends and public holidays, ensuring that citizens who require urgent Ghana Card services can receive assistance without unnecessary delays.
“Once we do that 24-hour service, they will be working on weekends, including holidays, to also help those who may need the system,” he added.
